Learn More About Internet Safety

Cyberbullying

Bullying in any form can lead to both physical and mental consequences for children. Feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and academic struggles are just some of the challenges children may experience if they are the targets of bullying. However, the effects of cyberbullying may be particularly damaging. Cyberbullying occurs on digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can include sending mean texts or emails, posting harmful messages on social media, or spreading rumors online. Some children have attempted or died by suicide as a result of cyberbullying. Sometimes, kids may not recognize they’re being bullied or may be too embarrassed or ashamed to talk to their parents about it. It’s important to talk with children about their online and digital behavior before they start interacting with others online and learn to spot the signs that cyberbullying may be occurring. Visit StopBullying.gov for more resources, and be sure to view their parent guide to cyberbullying in the button below.

Social Media

While social media can provide a platform for communication, self-expression, and entertainment, there are also inherent risks associated with its use. Children are particularly vulnerable to these dangers as they may lack the maturity and judgment needed to navigate this complex online world. Social media use among tweens, kids aged 8-12, has been increasing since 2019, despite most social media platforms requiring users to be at least 13 to create an account. Social media can have a negative effect on mental health, with girls being especially vulnerable. How you allow your child to interact with social media is a personal decision, but it’s important to remember that it can be a hub for potentially harmful or questionable activities. See this guide from the Federal Trade Commission about talking with children about their online behavior, or click the button to visit InternetMatters.org’s parent advice page. Don’t forget to check out their list of the top social networks for kids aged 6-13.

Even if you’ve already talked to your kids about screen time limits and responsible online behavior, monitoring their activities can be challenging. Parental controls are tools that parents can use to help keep kids safe while using technology by allowing them to control what they can see or do on their devices, block certain websites or apps, and even set screen time limits. Setting parental controls doesn’t have to be complicated. See this helpful website from InternetMatters.org that offers step-by-step guides for setting up parental control on a wide variety of devices. Also, check out Common Sense Media for more advice!

Inappropriate Content

The internet offers children a wealth of information and entertainment options, but it poses several risks. From explicit pop-up ads in some free mobile games to forums and groups promoting self-harm, an innocent search can expose children to content that can upset or confuse them. It’s also essential to educate them about the dangers of online grooming, where predators target vulnerable children through social media or other platforms. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported 37,800+ cases of online enticement in 2020, a 97.5% increase from 2019. Their NetSmartz Kidz website is full of age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children to be safe online and become better aware of potential risks. Visit them below, and download their Internet Safety for Parents, Guardians, and Communities PowerPoint!

The Risks of Sexting

According to a 2021 survey from Common Sense Media, the number of kids and teenagers with access to smartphones has increased significantly. With the rise in smartphone use comes the rise in sexting – sending or receiving photos, videos, or messages containing nudity or explicit acts. Another study from 2021 found that 19% of youth had sent a sext, while almost 35% received one. While talking about sexting can be awkward and uncomfortable for all involved, it’s crucial to have these conversations before an incident occurs so that they are prepared. Consequences can involve cyberbullying, harassment, and even legal trouble, so be sure to set clear boundaries about the types of messages they should send and what to do when they receive unwanted messages. Visit Child Mind Institute in the button below for advice to get the conversation started.

Healthy Screen Time

Limiting screen time for children can be challenging, especially today, where so much of our daily lives happen online or on screens. While many parents recognize the benefits of setting reasonable limits on screen time, it’s important to strike a balance between allowing screen time and ensuring that it does not negatively impact a child’s development. Programs like Baby Einstein or Brainy Baby are often used to calm fussy infants, but research suggests these programs may hinder vocabulary acquisition. Studies have found that for every hour spent watching these programs, infants learned six to eight fewer new words compared to babies who had never watched them. Setting rules around screen time is not easy, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each family needs to find what works best for them while taking into consideration their child’s age and individual needs. The Child Mind Institute has great advice on setting screen time limits with a focus on wellness, and visit the Mayo Clinic if you’re wondering how much screen time is too much, and how to reduce your child’s current screen time.

Family Media Plan

Children younger than two learn and grow best when they engage with the physical world around them. Interacting and playing with parents, siblings, caregivers, and other children and adults is crucial for their cognitive development. The AAP says that screen time can hinder this development as they have difficulty understanding what they see on screens in relation to the real world. They recommend that children under two have no screen time at all, except for video calls, until they reach 18 months of age. From 18 to 24 months, best practices include finding high-quality programming to watch with your child. Still, it’s important to note that every family’s media usage may differ based on their individual circumstances. The AAP created a Family Media Plan tool to help you set consistent expectations and limits on media use and help your kids balance media use with other healthy activities. The tool takes into account your family’s specific needs and preferences regarding media and screen use. Visit the AAP for help creating a personalized media plan for your family.

It’s so easy for almost anyone to share content with the internet these days, so kids need to learn how to interpret and analyze who made the content, why they made it, and whether it’s credible. Without that knowledge, kids may end up believing misinformation or falling for scams. There are tons of interactive games children can play to learn more about digital safety, including Google’s Interland. Through an interactive online adventure, Interland teaches children, “Share With Care, Don’t Fall For Fake, Secure Your Secrets, It’s Cool to Be Kind, and When In Doubt, Talk It Out.” The game is also great for adults to brush up on their media literacy skills. Click the button to learn more!